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Martial Arts Instructor

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"Training in martial arts is more than techniques. It's a lifestyle," says Lawrence Fowler.

"When one's life becomes meshed with the philosophy of martial arts and the daily training and pursuit of becoming better in one's understanding, it then becomes budo or 'way of the warrior.'

"Rank isn't important. Understanding and knowing are paramount."

There are differences between the various types of martial arts. "The similarity between all martial arts is their combative nature, in the sense that there is the potential for an opponent to overcome you in some way," says Fowler.

"Judo teaches throws and choke-outs. Jiu-jitsu teaches joint locks and breaks. Karate teaches punches and kicks.

"As one becomes proficient in the various techniques, one can test for higher ranking. But the training must also have a philosophical component," he adds.

"To become proficient in techniques without a philosophical foundation runs the risk of the student turning to thuggery. There's more to training than defending oneself."

What makes a good martial arts instructor? "Skills and achievements aren't as important as being able to effectively communicate one's knowledge to someone else," he says.

"We all see things differently and we all understand things differently. So a good instructor must be able to see what the students see and then help them along."

People take up martial training for a number of reasons, says Gary Eikenberry. "Chief among them are a desire to learn some self-defense skills, physical fitness, stress reduction, sport, developing their concentration and self-control, and last, but not least, for the friendships and personal development.

"People should choose a martial art based on how well its emphasis matches what they're looking for. No one martial art will prepare anyone for all self-defense situations," he adds.

"In reality, very few martial art students will use what they learn to defend themselves in real-life confrontations. But most will learn things about themselves, about overcoming challenges and obstacles, and about tapping personal sources of discipline and power.

"And then there are the students -- the ones who start out shy and unsure of themselves and slowly blossom into strong, confident, self-motivated, well-rounded leaders and achievers."

Stan Lee is the national director for the U.S. Martial Arts Association school management program. "I always intended to teach, but I didn't believe you could make a good living as a full-time martial arts instructor," he says.

"I pursued a business degree and worked as a stockbroker for two years after graduating college. I worked 12-hour days, leaving me no time for my martial arts training.

"When I left the business, I began training again with my instructor. He asked me to apply some of my business knowledge to helping him run his school. When I found out that I could make a good living doing what I loved to do, it was an easy choice," Lee says.

Many martial arts instructors choose to open their own schools. "I'd recommend gaining several years of experience before opening your own school. As a school owner, your knowledge needs to be more well rounded. You need business expertise. You need to understand marketing, accounting and finance."

Lee has some advice for would-be instructors. "Volunteer to help teach classes. Remember: it's not your technical skills that are important. Communication skills are most important. I'd also recommend working out an apprenticeship program with your instructor."

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